Published 7:00 pm, Monday, March 28, 2011

Just because they're twins doesn't mean Megan and McKenzi Maynard do everything together. In fact, they've got different interests and personalities.

But one thing the Maynards have always done together is play soccer. And that trend isn't going to end anytime soon.

The twins figure to be key pieces in what both hope is a long postseason run for Midland High. The Lady Bulldogs (18-6-1) open the Class 5A playoffs with a bi-district match against North Crowley at 7 p.m. today at Abilene Wylie's Bulldog Stadium.

It's the third and last time the Maynards, who are seniors at Midland High, have entered the postseason together. And they have no desire for the run to come to a premature end.

"It's exciting, but sad at the same time," Megan said. "Hopefully we go far and it lasts a while."

Added McKenzi: "It's kind of a lot of pressure knowing each game could be the last one. We hope its not."

Since they were 4 years old, the Maynards have been competing on the pitch together, always on the same team. Before starting their high school careers at MHS, they played with West Texas United, a club team consisting of players from Midland, Odessa and Lubbock.

The twins have enjoyed playoff matches competing for Midland High the last two seasons, including a run to the Region I-5A Tournament as sophomores. With high expectations for their senior season, the Maynards are intricate pieces in the Lady Dawgs' push to make a return to the regional tournament.

"They've been mainstays. Going into what is hopefully a long playoff run, they're going to be key figures for us," MHS coach Kent Rivas said. "To be able to have that added dimension of their versatility has really helped us this season. Those are two pieces of the puzzle that are going to be hard to replace next year."

This season both twins have played in the front, middle and back for the Lady Bulldogs. Megan has spent a majority of her senior year as a defender, but Rivas has used her on the front end of the Lady Dawgs' attack when he's wanted an added punch offensively.

McKenzi, meanwhile, has played mostly as an outside midfielder, but has also shown the ability to play up front or drop back as a defender as well.

And while on the field, Rivas sees the Maynards as similar players, off the pitch, he's gotten to know two different individuals.

"They're very different. The girls will tell you that," Rivas said. "It's funny because they're day and night. Megan is more outgoing and personable. Kenzi is kind of quiet and keeps to herself. But on the field they're very fierce, versatile competitors."

Even if Midland High's season ends before the Maynards want, it still won't be the last time they play competitively together. Both have signed letters of intent to play at Lubbock Christian University beginning in the fall.

And while it wasn't always planned for the two of them to make that decision, in the end it is what's best for them and their family.

"We didn't really know if we were going to attend the same college," Megan said. "It just kind of worked out that way. It definitely makes mom and dad happy."

Notes & Quotes: This is the third straight season for North Crowley to advance to the postseason. The Lady Panthers were dropped in the first round in each of the last two seasons, losing to Arlington Lamar and Arlington Martin, respectively. ... Midland High has won its district in three of the last four years. It's the fifth straight season the Lady Bulldogs have made the postseason. Last year, they lost 3-1 in the area round to Mansfield High. ... Four of the seven Midland High seniors plan to go on to play collegiately. Goalie Amy Powell and midfielder Shannon Byrd are headed to Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, while Megan and McKenzi Maynard are planning to play at Lubbock Christian University.

Next: Winner plays the winner between El Paso Socorro-Colleyville Heritage in an area playoff match.